Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2009
Scattering of optical and radio frequency radiation from electron density fluctuations in a plasma has been extensively studied and bids fair to become a useful diagnostic tool (see, for example, Davies & Ramsden, 1964, 1966). The scattered spectrum, although difficult to observe, contains a great deal of information. The electron density, ion and electron temperatures, the shape of the tail of the electron distribution function, spectral fluctuations in unstable systems, the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field and the charge to mass ratio of the ions present all seem to be contained in it.